Jazmin Li
Travelling with a film camera can be a nerve-wracking experience, especially with the potential for airport security to damage your film. While it is generally safe to pass undeveloped film through X-ray machines, there is a risk of fogging with multiple scans. To avoid this, you can request a hand inspection or manual check of your film by a TSA agent, who will usually be accommodating, especially if your film is easily accessible in a clear ziplock bag or a Do Not X-Ray pouch. However, experiences may vary across different countries and airports, and it is always best to be cautious and informed about the specific procedures and equipment used at your destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should film cameras be placed in carry-on or checked baggage? | Always place film and film cameras in carry-on baggage. |
| What ISO film is safe from damage? | Film rated 800 ISO or lower is safe from standard X-ray machines. |
| How to ensure film is not damaged by X-rays? | Ask a TSA agent for a hand-check. Place film in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. |
| What if hand-check is refused? | In some countries, hand-checks may not be possible. In such cases, consider using a slower-speed film, which is less likely to be affected by X-rays. |
| How to avoid bringing film through airport security? | Buy film locally at your destination or have it mailed to your lodgings. |
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What You'll Learn
X-ray machines and CT scanners can damage film above 800 ISO
X-ray machines and CT scanners emit ionising radiation, which can penetrate film. Due to the film's light sensitivity, when this radiation permeates the film canister, it interacts with the film's emulsion, leading to unwanted exposure and causing a 'fogging' effect.
While carry-on X-ray scanners use lower levels of radiation and typically don't harm film under 800 ISO, it is still recommended to request a hand-check, especially if your trip includes multiple flights or airport transfers. This is because the effects of X-ray radiation are cumulative, and multiple scans may cause fogging.
CT scanners emit a much higher level of radiation and can cause serious damage to film, including fogging, a general loss of contrast, reduced colour saturation, and increased graininess in the developed images. Even the best processing lab cannot fix film that has been fogged by these machines. Therefore, it is highly recommended to avoid putting film in checked baggage, as these bags go through high-powered CT scanners.
If you are travelling with film, it is best to put it in your carry-on luggage and request a hand inspection at the checkpoint. Notify the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly request a manual inspection. Most TSA agents are willing to accommodate this request, especially if your film is easily accessible and stored in a clear ziplock bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” film pouch.
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Request a hand inspection for your film and camera
If you are travelling with a film camera and undeveloped film, it is recommended to request a hand inspection at the security checkpoint. X-ray scanners and CT scanners can fog, damage, and destroy film, so it is best to avoid putting film in checked baggage.
To request a hand inspection, first ensure your film is easily accessible and out of its packaging. Place it in a clear ziplock bag or a ""Do Not X-Ray" pouch, and store it in a side pocket of your carry-on bag. Then, inform the TSA agent that you are carrying undeveloped film and kindly request a manual inspection. In the United States, TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests, especially if you are well-prepared. However, the final decision rests with the TSA officer.
If you are travelling internationally, it is worth checking the policies of the country's security agency. While some countries may refuse hand-scanning requests, it is always worth asking. To minimise the time away from your film, discuss your hand-check request immediately before going through security screening.
Additionally, consider using postage-paid film mailers to skip the TSA line altogether on your return journey. These mailers are available in the US and allow you to send your film directly to a lab for developing without worrying about potential damage from airport scanners.
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Keep film and cameras in your carry-on luggage
If you're travelling with a film camera, it's important to keep your equipment and photographs safe. Airport security procedures can vary, but some general rules will help you navigate them. Here are some tips to keep your film and camera in your carry-on luggage:
Firstly, always keep your film and camera with you in your carry-on luggage. Do not put them in checked baggage, as the scanners used for checked luggage have higher-intensity rays that will likely fog or damage your film. Even film inside a camera can be affected, so it's best to keep it with you.
Secondly, when going through security, ask a TSA agent for a hand-check of your film. Most TSA agents are accommodating, especially in the US, and it's the best way to ensure your film isn't damaged by X-ray machines. While standard X-ray machines are usually safe for film rated 800 ISO or lower, CT scanners can fog your film. As such, it's always good to request a hand inspection.
Thirdly, prepare your film for inspection. Remove it from canisters and packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch. Keep it easily accessible in a side pocket of your carry-on bag, so you can quickly produce it for inspection.
Additionally, consider alternatives to carrying film through airport security. Depending on your destination, you may be able to buy film locally or have it mailed to your accommodation. You can also mail your exposed rolls for development before returning home, avoiding the need to carry them through security.
Lastly, be mindful of security procedures and your equipment. When requesting a hand-check, inform the agent if you have film inside your camera, and ask them not to open the back of the camera, as this can expose the film. Keep in mind that security procedures and equipment vary internationally, so always check the official websites of the security agencies in the countries you're travelling to.
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Do not put film in checked baggage
When travelling with film, it is crucial to remember to never put film in checked baggage. This includes film that is still inside cameras. The scanners used for checked baggage use higher intensity screening technology than those used for carry-on luggage, and will very likely fog or damage your film.
To avoid fogging or damaging your film, always request that your carry-on luggage be hand-inspected at the airport security checkpoint. You can do this by politely informing the TSA agent that you are carrying photographic film and kindly requesting a manual inspection. In the US, TSA agents are usually accommodating of such requests. However, experiences may vary internationally, with some reports of hand-check requests being denied in Europe.
To make the process smoother, remove the film from all canisters and packaging ahead of time and place them in a clear ziplock bag or a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. Keep them easily accessible, such as in a side pocket of your carry-on bag.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of bringing film through airport security, you may consider alternative options such as purchasing film locally at your destination or mailing your film home before you leave.
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Use a Do Not X-Ray film pouch
When travelling with film, it is important to take precautions to ensure that your film does not get damaged by the X-ray scanners used for luggage inspection. One way to do this is to use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch. These pouches are designed to facilitate airport hand checks for your undeveloped film and make it easier for you to travel with film. They are made of a matte finish mesh zipper bag with a custom-printed "Do Not X-Ray" warning sign in multiple languages. While these pouches do not guarantee that your film will not be X-rayed, they can help to increase the chances of your film being hand-checked.
To use a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch effectively, follow these steps:
- Place your undeveloped film in the pouch: Remove the film from all canisters and packaging and place it inside the pouch. Keep it easily accessible by storing the pouch in a side pocket of your carry-on bag.
- Inform the TSA agent: At the airport, let the TSA agent know that you are carrying undeveloped film and kindly request a manual inspection or hand-check. Most TSA agents are accommodating of such requests, especially if you have your film easily accessible in the "Do Not X-Ray" pouch.
- Be prepared for alternative options: In some cases, your request for a hand-check may be denied, especially in international travel. If this happens, consider mailing your exposed rolls directly to a film processing service or using a digital camera for your trip. Alternatively, you can purchase film locally at your destination or have it mailed to your lodgings in advance.
- Take other precautions: In addition to using a "Do Not X-Ray" pouch, consider travelling with slower-speed film (800 ISO or lower), which is less likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. Additionally, ensure that your air ticket allows you to bring carry-on luggage, as checked baggage is subject to more powerful scanners that can damage your film.
By following these steps and using a "Do Not X-Ray" film pouch, you can increase the chances of your film being hand-checked and reduce the risk of damage from X-ray scanners.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can bring a film camera through airport security, but it must be in your carry-on luggage. Scanners used for checked luggage are more powerful and can damage the film.
It is recommended that you remove the film from its packaging and place it in a clear ziplock bag or a “Do Not X-Ray” pouch. Keep it easily accessible in your carry-on bag. Ask a TSA agent for a hand-check of your film to avoid potential damage from X-ray scanners.
Most sources agree that film rated at 800 ISO or lower is not likely to be affected by standard X-ray machines. However, it is always recommended to request a hand-check to avoid any potential damage, especially if you have multiple flights or airport transfers.
